Wakehurst - Millennium Seed Bank
Willow class were stars and Joe from Wakehurst explained that the group was one of the best he has had the privilege to teach! Our students learnt about the scientific mission to protect wild plant biodiversity in the secret underground seed banks.
The Millennium Seed Bank hides in an underground collection of over 2.4 billion seeds from around the world, banking them to conserve them for the future.
We worked as a team in the glass atrium to complete activities, and saw scientists at work in front of our very eyes.
Outside the building, the children were fascinated by the planted parterres showcasing eight threatened habitats of the British Isles.
FACTS FROM TODAY:
Franklin trees have vanished in the wild but there are some at Wakehurst.
Bamboo has a growth rate of up to 1 meter a day for the Chinese Moso Bamboo.
Coco-de-mer produces the largest and heaviest seeds in the world and Willow saw an example today!
The smallest seeds are from orchids ... 0.05mm in length
Great job everyone and thank you Mrs Sorrell and Mrs Berry for a fantastic educational trip!
Ms J Stratton
